Education: PhD in international economic history, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, University of Geneva (2013)

Charitable involvement: Kiwanis Club of Ottawa

Biggest biz achievement: Launching BDO Canada's economic development consulting service line has been an incredible journey. However, I like to think my biggest achievement has been in demonstrating that business and social enterprise do not have to be mutually exclusive. I approach this by pursuing economic development projects that revitalize local economies, promote renewable innovation and advance First Nations communities.

Biggest obstacle: Making a successful transition from academia to the business world. I was a professor in my previous career and have found that the skills I learned as an academic are invaluable as a management consultant. Academia taught me how to identify a problem, develop a methodology, conduct research and devise original solutions.

Biggest influence: I am extremely lucky to have been mentored by the author and professor Paul Kennedy. We first met during my graduate studies at the London School of Economics and, during my PhD, he wrote my recommendation letter to attend Yale University as an International Scholar. His approach to the theory of "grand strategy" has profoundly influenced my approach to business and economic strategy.

First job: Retail clerk at Chapters

Advice I’d give the younger me: Do what you're interested in and can be passionate about – hard work and success will always open doors.

What’s left to do: I like to look at my personal and professional lives together because the one informs the other. My hobbies and work, my family and friends – I know I'm at my best when these elements are thriving. My life-long to-do list includes adventure and success in the first group, shared with and inspired by the second.

Favourite pastime: Trivia

I’m currently reading: A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul and Technocracy in America: Rise of the Info-State by Parag Khanna